Kansans Urged to Avoid Illnesses at Swimming Pools, Water Parks and Beaches
May 22, 2006
Kansas City Star
May 22-29 is National Recreational Water Illness Prevention Week
Topeka, Kan. - infoZine - Memorial Day marks the traditional start of recreational water activities in Kansas. Pools, water parks and swimming beaches typically open for business. With these water activities comes the threat of contracting a waterborne illness. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) wants Kansans to be aware of the risks and take steps to avoid illness.
Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs) are spread by swimming in water that has been poorly maintained and is contaminated with chlorine-resistant germs or from run-off to lakes or beaches.
Diarrhea is the most commonly reported illness associated with recreational water, and is usually caused by parasites such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia or bacteria such as Shigella and E. coli 0157:H7. However, recreational water illnesses also include skin, ear, respiratory, eye, and wound infections.
"On occasion, we get reports of swimmers who have become ill after swimming at a public pool or beach area," said Dr. Howard Rodenberg, KDHE Division of Health Director. "As long as the public follows some basic guidelines to prevent the spread of harmful germs, we can greatly reduce the risk of a waterborne illness outbreak---and keep the focus on fun and fitness at the swimming pool."
Healthy swimming behaviors that prevent the spread of illness include the following:
* Don't swim if you have diarrhea. Germs are easily spread in the water and can make other swimmers sick.
* Don't swallow pool water, and avoid getting pool water in your mouth.
* Shower before you swim and wash your hands after using the bathroom. Germs on your body will end up in the water.
* Take children to the bathroom and change diapers often.
* Change diapers in the bathroom to avoid spreading germs to the pool area.
* Wash your child thoroughly with soap and water before swimming to avoid spreading fecal matter.
May 22-29 is also National Recreational Water Illness Prevention Week, a week dedicated to educating the public about the spread of waterborne illnesses.
Article link: http://www.infozine.com/news/stories/op/storiesView/sid/15240/
